DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! If you happen to’re searching for a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there isn’t a higher drone that I may advocate.
Nonetheless, with all the excitement going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a number of downsides. And one among them is the precise digital camera high quality.
The truth is, the digital camera behind it isn’t unhealthy in any respect; don’t get me fallacious. Nonetheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with at present’s drone customary for skilled images and filming.
Nonetheless, with the superior digital camera expertise and video enhancing software program these days, you may get some fairly respectable recordings with this drone.
That’s why I wish to share with you the easiest settings for various situations to report one of the best movies potential with the DJI Mini 2 SE.
DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam: What do we all know?
The digital camera behind DJI Mini 2 SE has a picture sensor of 1/2.3 inch, just like the one discovered behind DJI Mini 2 and DJI FPV drones.
Wanting past that, the digital camera sensors discovered on the Mini 3, 3 Professional, and 4 Professional are 1/1.3 inch, a lot bigger than the one within the Mini 2 SE. That’s the purpose the place pictures and movies taken with such drones look extra skilled, are of higher high quality, and have a greater dynamic vary.
However how does the small sensor have an effect on the Mini 2 SE digital camera?
Effectively, in images, the digital camera sensor or CMOS is probably the most essential side of capturing improbable photos and movies.
With this drone’s digital camera, as a result of it’s just one/2.3 inch, which is comparatively small, you’ll battle to seize any low-light movies, and undoubtedly, the evening movies you seize will look horrible.
The dynamic vary will undergo, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and for those who enlarge your closing video, you’ll discover extra apparent artifacts than an analogous video captured with a bigger sensor.
That’s as a result of each video element will likely be squeezed on this small sensor.
I’m not saying now that it’s completely horrible. Consider me, it isn’t.
However all of the aforementioned drones with 1/1.3 inch CMOS and bigger could be higher for filming until the drone is tremendous outdated and a part of the older expertise the place what’s inside issues.
Nonetheless, regardless of all of the downsides of this drone’s smaller CMOS, for those who tweak a number of settings and, perceive what to vary and respect a number of guidelines in videography, you’ll be stunned on the movies you possibly can report.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam High quality (With Photos)
How one can entry video settings on DJI Mini 2 SE
To entry the video mode within the DJI Fly App (dwell view mode), press the icon above the shutter button on the fitting facet of the display, and you will note a listing of photograph and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or gradual movement capturing mode – however we’ll go together with regular.
The following step is to modify to Professional Mode.
To do that, check out the digital camera icon on the underside proper of your display. You will notice written on the digital camera “Auto,” which is the auto mode. Faucet the digital camera icon, and it’ll robotically change to Professional Mode, supplying you with a sequence of digital camera choices you possibly can manually change.
Be aware: Professional Mode is the equal of the handbook mode on a video digital camera.
When you might have activated Professional Mode, you might have entry to all of the video settings that you must change to enhance your filming.
If you happen to’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Velocity, ISO, WB, and different settings are robotically set to correctly expose the video you’re taking with the Mini 2 SE.
You don’t need this as a result of a easy change within the setting surroundings would mess with the highlights and shadows of the video, the place the drone will try to readjust the publicity, thus making the movies look non-professional.
On prime of that, the movies received’t look cinematic in any respect for those who don’t comply with any guidelines of filming. Extra about that later.
Now with the Professional Mode, you possibly can change all these settings to have the ability to seize one of the best movies in probably the most skilled method, even with this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – How one can Change Video Settings (Video)
Finest Decision and Framerate
Abstract: 2.7k at 30fps
The very first thing we have now to pick earlier than filming with our DJI Mini 2 SE is the decision and framerate. This drone can movie solely as much as 2.7k, however at this decision, you possibly can set solely 30 frames per second.
If you’re ever seeking to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll should drop down the decision at FHD.
2.7k is okay. The truth is, it’s what we’re searching for right now to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p until you wish to shoot some gradual movement.
» MORE: Digicam Expertise in Drones (Defined)
The Right Shutter Velocity
Abstract: Set it to double the framerate you select.
The DJI Mini 2 SE has an digital shutter velocity with values between 4 seconds and 1/8000 s. That’s tremendous nice and diversified; nonetheless, you solely reap the benefits of this vary in images.
As for filming with a drone or digital camera, irrespective of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place it’s important to set double the shutter velocity in concordance with the framerate you select.
For example, for those who decide to shoot in 60 frames per second, irrespective of the decision, you’ll have to select the 1/120s shutter velocity or the closest worth.
When selecting the usual framerate of 30fps, you’ll have to choose 1/60s shutter velocity or the closest worth.
That is essential with a view to carry easy movement blur to the movies ensuing from a drone or digital camera. If not, the movies will look a bit uneven and undoubtedly amateurish for any good use.
However there’s a catch. If you happen to’re seeking to set the shutter speeds when filming throughout the day, the movies will look overly uncovered.
There are two issues to do right here.
- Drop down the ISO to the minimal, which is 100. If the video nonetheless appears to be like overexposed (earlier than capturing), comply with step 2.
- Use ND filters. These filters that you just connect in entrance of the drone digital camera lens have the function of blocking a considerable amount of mild merely for that reason.
With an ND filter, you’re capable of management the sunshine that comes into the digital camera sensor and set the right values following this golden rule in video making.
There are various ND filters, and so they often are available a set for various lighting conditions for the setting you’re planning to movie.
For example, you utilize a denser filter like ND16 or ND32 throughout full daylight and perhaps ND8 when the lighting is much less plentiful (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.
If you happen to’re seeking to grasp extra details about ND filters and their full function in a drone, we advocate testing the next article:
» MORE: A Easy Information to ND Filters: What You Must Know to Shoot Higher Drone Video
What ISO to make use of
Abstract: Set the ISO based on shutter velocity and framerate to acquire a correctly uncovered picture (100-400)
The ISO ought to be set as little as potential with a view to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This must comply with the identical rule as in images.
Nonetheless, generally, that you must modify the ISO based on the situations and never set it to the bottom values. That may occur once you set the shutter velocity to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.
For example, if the video will look underexposed at 1/60s shutter velocity with an ND filter ND16, one possibility could be to extend the ISO (or readjust it) to adequately expose the picture.
What I like to do in any case isn’t to get an ISO above 400. On this case, utilizing one other ND filter (weaker) and protecting ISO decrease could be simpler.
» MORE: Can a Drone Digicam Zoom In? (Defined for Freshmen)
Selecting a video framerate
Abstract: 30 fps for on a regular basis use, 60 fps for slow-motion
24 frames per second are utilized in cinematography, whereas 30 or 60 frames per second are used for tv or on-line content material.
As I discussed earlier than, with the DJI Mini 2 SE, we solely have 30 or 60 fps.
In any case, the most typical option to movie is by utilizing 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter velocity must be 1/60s.
However, for those who’re searching for any slow-motion content material, movie at 60fps in Full HD after which drop down the velocity in post-processing, which can lead to 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely tips. Nonetheless, that you must do not forget that the slower the shutter velocity is (decrease the FPS), the extra mild will come into the digital camera sensor. Subsequently, movies will simply get overexposed throughout the day.
As a rule of thumb, I generally movie at 60 fps throughout the day with my drones and cameras (additionally as a result of I really like 60fps movies – pure magic) so I don’t should drop the shutter velocity an excessive amount of, as many instances throughout respectable lighting hours (not too shiny nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.
» MORE: Finest Digicam Settings for DJI Air 3 (Photograph & Video)
White Steadiness
Abstract: 5600K throughout a sunny or overcast day; 3500-4500K throughout golden hours.
The video shade illustration is outlined by the white steadiness. Fortunately, we will modify the white steadiness from decrease Kv values (colder) to larger values (hotter).
Relying on the time of the day, we have to modify the white steadiness so the video received’t look too heat or too chilly.
Let me say it one other method. The auto mode is simply nice for many who don’t wish to get an excessive amount of into element and readjust the white steadiness. And even when it’s a bit off, you possibly can right the white steadiness in post-processing.
However I do desire to manually set it after I’m capturing longer movies as a result of the setting ambiance will change.
So, what settings do you want right here?
If you shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE within the morning or night, and there’s a really heat ambient shade (dawn, sundown), decrease the Kv a bit, often between 3500K to 4500K. In any other case, the video will likely be too heat.
The alternative ought to occur when capturing both throughout an overcast day or particularly throughout a sunny day the place you might have a chilly blue sky – that you must enhance the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it would look method too chilly (blue-ish).
Be aware: I annotate Kv as a reference to Okay, which represents the Kelvin temperature on the white steadiness scale.
» MORE: Drone Filmmaking Final Information
Different video settings to think about
The DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have an adjustable aperture; the digital camera has it fastened at f/2.8.
That’s respectable for many cameras, and until you’re capturing in low mild or evening situations (as with another drones), you received’t want it open greater than that.
When the aperture is extra open (decrease values in numerous cameras that assist adjustable apertures), extra mild will come straight by way of the lens into the digital camera sensor when the opening is wider.
Yet one more factor you’ll have to bear in mind when capturing with the DJI Mini 2 SE is that, sadly, this drone doesn’t assist a D-CineLike or related shade profile and solely has “Regular Mode.”
What does this imply?
The D-CineLike is the equal of RAW in photos; the movies will look extra flat, which permits in depth post-processing.
This doesn’t imply you can’t edit movies taken with this drone. The truth is, you possibly can very nicely, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when capturing with a flat shade profile.
» MORE: Drone Images Final Information
Suggestions for capturing higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve a fundamental thought about what settings to decide on once you’re seeking to seize movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, let’s additionally dive into some suggestions and likewise some fundamental settings I take advantage of when capturing at completely different instances of the day.
At all times plan your pictures forward
Wherever you’re planning to journey someplace with a drone and seize movies of an space or panorama or have a gig, it’s all the time important to plan all the things forward and calculate each chance to keep away from disappointments.
One factor I all the time point out is checking the climate. Let’s assume you already understand it’s most likely not gonna rain, otherwise you received’t plan this shot, however what concerning the wind velocity stage?
The 3-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a improbable job in mechanically stabilizing the movies ensuing from this drone. However that’s not the tip of the story.
Whereas the Mini 2 SE has a good wind resistance stage of 5 with a max of 10.7 m/s, each wind gust and velocity can have an effect on your plans.
And it isn’t solely concerning the Mini 2 SE not stabilizing itself – it has glorious hovering stability regardless of being so light-weight, however don’t overlook that the flight time could be drastically affected, particularly for those who plan to fly long-range.
On this subject, we have now two improbable articles we advocate studying for those who’re planning to take any movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, or some other drone for that matter.
Use Clever Features (QuickShots)
Whereas the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Energetic Observe or Comply with-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which generally is a sensible strategy to taking some distinctive pictures.
These QuickShots are made for filming and can program the drone to comply with a preset path and seize some improbable movies.
From Boomerang, Circle, Rocket, Helix, and Orbit to Dronie, every of those shot modes can simply seize some fairly troublesome flights with this drone, so that you get nice movies with little or no effort, particularly for those who’ve adopted our settings suggestions.
However merely remember that the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have any impediment avoidance sensors, so plan these modes fastidiously and ensure there aren’t any obstacles round for the drone to crash into (e.g., bushes or buildings).
» MORE: DJI Clever Flight Modes (Together with Quickshots & Mastershots)
Be taught Cinematic Strikes
On the planet of cinematography, from the legendary drone pictures behind Jurassic World to Kandahar, cinematic pictures of epic proportions are used to create emotion and ship a message to the viewer.
Effectively, you might have a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can’t by any means examine it with any million-dollar cinema drone digital camera. Nonetheless, one factor is frequent: the cinematic pictures.
It doesn’t matter what drone you might have, for those who be taught and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to a terrific begin.
That is most likely one of the vital vital issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic pictures together with your drone.
Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could appear difficult firstly. However I promise you, it isn’t as troublesome because it appears to be like.
I’d strongly advocate you watch the next video to higher perceive the place you possibly can enhance on this space.
» MORE: 9 Tricks to Make Your Drone Footage Extra Cinematic
Capturing movies throughout daylight
Let’s focus for a bit on what settings it is best to use for those who’re going to shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE throughout the day.
Listed here are some tips I take advantage of which have proved to be glorious not solely with this drone however with different ones as nicely.
Keep in mind that the settings could differ relying on the panorama and the ambient mild the place you’re capturing the video.
Mornings & Evenings
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and 400, modify to correctly expose the video
- ND Filters: None or ND8. Typically, you might even want ND16
Notes: It’s possible you’ll or could not want an ND filter to acquire the shutter velocity of 1/60 with a correctly uncovered video whereas the framerate stays at 30 and the ISO between 100 and 400 vary. As a substitute for utilizing ND filters, you possibly can enhance the framerate to 60fps at 1080p decision and set the shutter velocity to 1/120s
✅ The benefit right here is that the ambient mild is greater than sufficient, and you might not even want an ND filter. However not all the time.
❌ The draw back is that the dynamic vary (the distinction between highlights and shadows) will likely be badly noticeable. Subsequently, some pictures could not look skilled.
» MORE: When is the Finest Time to Fly a Drone?
Full Solar & Overcast
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and 400 when utilizing an ND filter.
- ND Filters: ND16, 32, and even 64 could also be wanted.
Notes: In the course of the daytime, your sensor will likely be flooded with mild, particularly if capturing in full daylight with the Mini 2 SE. To respect these cinematography guidelines of filming, you undoubtedly want to make use of an ND filter of upper energy (blocks extra mild), and relying on the surroundings, it would go between ND16 and 64. Set the ISO manually to reveal the video appropriately with the suitable ND filter, however by no means go above ISO400.
In case your video appears to be like overexposed even with ND filters (e.g., you might have solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you possibly can drop down the decision and enhance the framerate to 60, the place the shutter velocity ought to be set at 1/120s. On this case, much less mild will come into the digital camera sensor.
✅ The benefit right here is that the video high quality ought to be at its peak, and no picture noise ought to be current; additionally, with correct ND filters, you possibly can create some epic cinematic pictures throughout most daylight situations with this drone.
❌ The drawback is that for those who’re seeking to seize one of the best pictures, ND filters throughout daylight are form of necessary, so long as you wish to respect this rule of cinematic filming.
» MORE: Finest Drones With the Largest Digicam Sensors
Capturing movies at evening
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and any higher restrict, however attempt to hold it as little as potential
- ND Filters: None
Notes: There’s no want for an ND filter at evening. Fairly the other; you’ll have the ability to seize respectable movies solely in areas well-illuminated.
The DJI Mini 2 SE was not made for evening images and filming. The sensor is method too small to seize appropriately uncovered movies, particularly following these guidelines in videography and with a shutter velocity of 1/60 seconds.
In areas like downtown, the place there’s quite a lot of mild, you’ll have the ability to do one thing, however even with that, hold the ISO on the lowest values you possibly can. In any other case, there will likely be quite a lot of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Evening Time Use (Images & Video)
Conclusion
In accordance with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digital camera high quality is sort of respectable for capturing movies, however solely below correct circumstances.
I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie throughout the evening and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting situations are usually not satisfactory.
However apart from that, you’ll be stunned by what you possibly can report with this drone, particularly for those who’re desperate to be taught cinematic strikes and respect these tips utilized in filmmaking to get one of the best footage you possibly can out of this drone.